20/12/2025
High Commission Receives Donation for Affected Sri Lankans from GAK HealthCare International, Pakistan
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad received a cheque amounting to PKR 500,000 from GAK HealthCare International, Pakistan, as a gesture of its commitment to the Sri Lankan people and in support of the ongoing relief activities in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
GAK HealthCare International is a leading Pakistani healthcare group with over 25 years of experience in medical education, patient care, and medical tourism. The group operates institutions such as Islamabad Medical & Dental College (IMDC) and Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH), with a focus on integrated healthcare, innovation, and global expansion, particularly across Asia. GAK HealthCare International offers programmes in MBBS, BDS, nursing, and allied health sciences, aiming to raise healthcare standards in Pakistan and position the country as a regional healthcare hub.
Major General (Rtd) Professor Muhammad Aslam, Vice Chancellor of City University, Islamabad, and Dr. Usman Waheed, an executive member of GAK HealthCare International, Pakistan, visited the Official Residence of the High Commissioner on 19 December 2025 and formally handed over the cheque to Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Islamabad.
On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr Yasir Khan Niazi (CEO of GAK HealthCare International), Major General (Rtd) Professor Muhammad Aslam, Dr. Usman Waheed, and the students of the university for their generous contribution of PKR 500,000 towards Sri Lanka’s disaster-relief efforts.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Islamabad
20 December 2025
17/12/2025
High Commissioner Opens Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Student Art Exhibition
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (Rtd.), formally inaugurated the PNCA Student Art Exhibition as Chief Guest on 04 December 2025 in Islamabad. The exhibition, organized by PNCA Islamabad, showcased creative works produced by students of its six-month Drawing and Painting course.
The High Commissioner, accompanied by staff of the High Commission, was welcomed by Ms. Faiza Shah, a Drawing & Painting teacher who is also a visual artist, designer, film art director, set designer, interior designer, and sculptor, along with the Deputy Director General and other PNCA staff.
Addressing the inauguration, the High Commissioner expressed his sincere gratitude to the management and organizers of PNCA for the kind invitation and for allowing him to participate in a celebration so vital to the cultural fabric of Pakistan.
He highlighted that the Pakistan National Council of the Arts stands as a beacon of creativity and learning, providing young artists not only with goals but also with a professional platform—a crucial bridge between the classroom and the world. The exhibition reflects the culmination of dedication, the triumph of imagination over the blank canvas, and the proud results of PNCA’s mentorship.
He further noted that such acts of inclusive cultural exchange embody the true spirit of art—a universal language that transcends borders and fosters shared human experiences. This generosity of spirit makes PNCA’s work not only national in character but also internationally impactful.
The teacher expressed great pride in the students for their discipline, attentiveness, and commitment to following instructions, which resulted in the successful presentation of high-quality work at the exhibition. The teaching approach followed emphasizes learning art in the most authentic manner practiced by the great masters, focusing on patience, dedication, and devotion rather than adopting modern shortcuts.
She further emphasized that a true painting should capture the subject’s essence and presence through the artist’s direct observation, rather than merely reproducing what is seen through a camera lens.
Finally, certificates were formally awarded to the students by the High Commissioner, recognizing their dedication, effort, and artistic achievements showcased during the exhibition.
The management of PNCA expressed gratitude to the High Commissioner for inaugurating the exhibition and for encouraging the students in their dedication, talent, and continued commitment to the arts.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Islamabad
16 December 2025
17/12/2025
High Commission Receives Donation for Affected Sri Lankans from Pakistan Cleft Lip & Plate Association
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad received a cheque amounting to PKR 200,000 from Dr. Ijaz Bashir, Founder and Chairman of the Pakistan Cleft Lip & Palate Association (Cleft Hospital), Gujrat, Pakistan, as a contribution to support the people of Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah and heavy rainfall.
The Pakistan Cleft Lip & Palate Association is a charitable healthcare institution providing treatment to patients from Pakistan and abroad, along with specialized training for medical professionals.
Dr. Ijaz Bashir, and team members visited the High Commission and handed over the cheque to Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Islamabad, on 15 December 2025.
On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ijaz Bashir and team members for their generous contribution of PKR 200,000 towards Sri Lanka’s disaster-relief efforts.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Islamabad
16 December 2025
16/12/2025
High Commissioner meets members of the Ladies Association of Entrepreneur Leaders of Pakistan (LAEL).
Members of the Ladies Association of Entrepreneur Leaders of Pakistan (LAEL) met with the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (Rtd.), on 09 December 2025 at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad.
The LAEL delegation was led by Ayesha Khan, Skyline Trading & Innovative Solutions Hub (Pvt.) Ltd., a service provider engaged in import/export, IT services, digital marketing, and climate change initiatives. The delegation also included Salma Qazi, Al Zohra Travel & Tours; Huma Baig, Serendip, a climate change and clean living company; Samiyah Sohail, SS Collection, a gems and jewellery business based in Islamabad; Anila Raheem, a retail business owner and Director at Innovative Solutions Hub (Pvt.) Ltd.; Aimen Tahir, engaged in luxury gift items and event management; Arwa Shahid, Arwah & Co., a luxury chocolate, home décor, and candles brand; and Sara Tiwana, June Bakery & Café, a food business.
The High Commissioner warmly welcomed the President and members of LAEL to the High Commission and briefed them on the potential business and investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner outlined the policies of the new Government of Sri Lanka, including anti-corruption measures and ongoing economic reforms. He noted that Sri Lanka’s situation has stabilized and that the country’s political and economic conditions are steadily improving.
Discussions also focused on Expo 2026, organized by the Export Development Board (EDB), scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from 18–21 June 2026. The Expo is expected to enhance awareness of Sri Lanka’s business environment and create further opportunities for trade and investment.
Members of LAEL expressed their appreciation to the High Commissioner for facilitating the meeting and conveyed their commitment to leading a business delegation to participate in upcoming events in Sri Lanka. They also expressed strong interest in establishing business ventures in the country.
Mr. A. Christy Ruban, Minister / Head of Chancery at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad, was also present at the meeting.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Islamabad
16 December 2025
16/12/2025
High Commissioner Meets with the Minister of Defence, Pakistan
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Fred Senevirathne (Rtd.) met Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence of Pakistan, on 15 December 2025.
The Defence Minister Muhammad Asif warmly welcomed the High Commissioner and congratulated him on his new assignment as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan and his coordination work with the government of Pakistan in recent days regarding the cyclone in Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, he recalled his father’s visit to Sri Lanka in 1984, when his father, a senior Pakistani politician, visited the newly built Sri Lankan Parliament to gather ideas for the construction of Pakistan’s Parliament.
High Commissioner Seneviratne thanked the Defence Minister for the warm welcome and the opportunity to engage in a productive dialogue. He shared insights into Sri Lanka’s recent developments, defence cooperation between the two countries, and the current situation in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. He also expressed his commitment to strengthening collaboration in areas of mutual interest during his tenure in Pakistan.
Furthermore, the High Commissioner expressed his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for its timely support and humanitarian assistance to the people of Sri Lanka affected by the severe devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah last month.
Mr. Christy Ruban, Minister / Head of Chancery of the High Commission, and Rear Admiral Amir Mahmood, HI (M), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, were present at the meeting.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Islamabad
16 December 2025
11/12/2025
High Commission Receives Donation for Affected Sri Lankans from SaleemSons Pvt Ltd., Islamabad
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad received a cheque amounting to PKR 300,000 from Mr. Tariq Saleem, Founder of the Company, and Mr. Shehzada Aman Tariq, Managing Director, as a contribution to support the people of Sri Lanka affected by the recent cyclone and heavy rainfall. M/S SaleemSons Pvt. Ltd., Islamabad, is a long-standing family organisation engaged in construction, development, real estate services, and logistics in Pakistan.
Mr. Tariq Saleem and Mr. Shehzada Aman Tariq visited the Official Residence of the High Commissioner and handed over the cheque to Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Islamabad, on 11 December 2025.
On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Tariq Saleem and Mr. Shehzada Aman Tariq for their generous contribution of PKR 300,000 towards Sri Lanka’s disaster-relief efforts.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Islamabad
11 December 2025
15/12/2025
11/12/2025